Construction of Stone Masonry - Code of Practice, Part 1: Rubble Stone Masonry

IS 1597 Part 1: Scope - Key Points & References

Scope Summary:

• Covers natural building stones used in masonry.
• Includes specifications for selection, dressing, and workmanship.
• Applies to rubble and polygonal rubble masonry (Clause 9.6: polygonal rubble follows course rubble rules except no courses and polygon-shaped stones).
• Setting out follows IS 2212:1991 Clause 8.

Key References & Specifications

Typical Design Considerations (Clause 7)

• Stone type suitability based on environment and load.
• Mortar type and mix as per IS 2212.
• Workmanship quality and dimensions per IS 1127 & IS 1129.
• Structural stability and durability.

Useful Formula (General Masonry Strength)

[ f_m = \alpha \times f_s + \beta \times f_c ]

• (f_m): Masonry compressive strength
• (f_s): Stone compressive strength
• (f_c): Mortar compressive strength
• (\alpha, \beta): Empirical coefficients (refer IS 1597 or IS 2212 for values)

Diagram: Relationship of Standards

graph LR
A[IS 1597 Part 1] --> B[IS 2212 (Brickwork & Masonry)]
A --> C[IS 1127, 1129 (Stone Dressing)]
A --> D[IS 269, 455 (Cement Specs)]
A --> E[IS 2116 (Sand for Mortar)]

Summary: IS 1597 Part 1 sets the scope for natural stone masonry, referencing IS 2212 for detailed workmanship, materials

IS 1597 Part 1 - References Summary

Key Reference Standards:

Important Notes:

• Structural Stability & Strength: Refer IS 1905:1987, IS 1893:1984, IS 4326:1976.
• Damp-proof Course: See IS 2212:1991 Clause 6.8.
• Setting Out: Follow IS 2212:1991 Clause 8.

Typical Use:

• These referenced standards provide detailed specifications for materials (cement, lime, sand

IS 1597 Part 1 (1992) - Definitions & Key Specifications

• Template or Bed Block (Clause 3.34):
  A stone or concrete block placed on a wall to distribute pressure from a concentrated load.

• Polygonal Rubble Walling (Clause 9.6):
  Similar to course rubble masonry but stones are polygonal and not laid in courses.

• Setting Out (Clause 8.1):
  Refer IS 2212:1991 Clause 8 for detailed procedures.

• Important Referenced IS Codes (Annex A):

  IS No.	Title
  1805:1973	Glossary of terms for building stones, quarrying, dressing
  2116:1980	Specification for sand for masonry mortars
  2212:1991	Code of practice for brickwork
  456:1978	Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete
  1893:1984	Criteria for earthquake resistant design
  1905:1987	Code of practice for structural use of reinforced masonry

• Design Notes:

  • Masonry types, mortar mixes, stone classes, and architectural details must be clearly specified.
  • Layout plans, dimensions, and foundation levels should be provided at scales like 1:20.

Summary Table: Template or Bed Block

flowchart TD
    A[Concentrated Load] --> B[Template/Bed Block]
    B --> C[Masonry Wall]
    B --> D[Distributes Pressure Evenly]

This ensures structural safety by preventing local crushing of masonry under heavy loads.

IS 1597 Part 1 - Necessary Information for Planning and Execution

For efficient masonry work, the following key information must be provided:

1. Layout and Dimensions

• Layout plan showing structure orientation.
• Dimensioned details at scale 1:20 (1 mm = 20 mm) including:
  • Foundation levels
  • Finished ground levels
  • Clear floor-to-floor heights
  • Sizes of openings

2. Material and Masonry Details

• Type of stone and masonry class.
• Bond types and final finishes.
• Mortar mix specifications.
• Architectural features, mouldings, and special works.

3. Service Provisions

• Locations/details of openings, chases, embedments for:
  • Water supply
  • Drainage
  • Electrical installations
• Details of hearths, flues, chimneys.

4. Reference Codes for Stability & Strength

• IS 1905:1987 (Masonry Design)
• IS 1893:1984 (Earthquake Loads)
• IS 4326:1976 (Earthquake Resistant Design)

5. Stone Selection (from Table 2, IS 1597 Part 1)

Setting Out Reference

• Follow IS 2212:1991 Clause 8 for detailed setting out procedures.

flowchart TD
    A[Planning] --> B[Layout Plan]
    B --> C[Dimension Details]
    C --> D[Material & Masonry Specs]
    D --> E[Service Embeds & Openings]
    E --> F[Design & Stability Checks]
    F --> G[Execution]

This structured info ensures smooth design, procurement, and construction phases.

IS 1597 Part 1: Materials Key Points

1. Materials for Flashing and Weathering

   • Refer to Clause 5.4 of IS 2212:1991 for specifications.
   • Typically includes materials like lead, copper, aluminum, or bituminous felt, ensuring durability and weather resistance.

2. Selection of Stone (Clause 6 & Table 2)

   • Stones must be selected based on their intended use (load-bearing, cladding, flooring, etc.).
   • Table 2 (Summary):

     Stone Type	Recommended Use	Remarks
     Granite	Heavy duty floors, foundations	High strength, durable
     Sandstone	Walls, cladding	Moderate strength
     Limestone	Interior walls, decorative works	Softer, less durable
     Slate	Roofing, flooring	Good cleavage, water-resistant

3. Damp-Proof Course (Clause 6.8)

   • Materials and placement follow Clause 6.8 of IS 2212:1991.
   • Common materials: bitumen felt, polyethylene sheets, or stone slabs.

4. Natural Stone Classification (Clause 3.6)

   • Refer IS 1805:1973 for types and properties of natural stones used in construction.

Summary Table: Stone Selection (from IS 1597 Part 1 - Table 2)

flowchart TD
    A[Material Selection] --> B[Flashing & Weathering]
    A --> C[Stone Selection]
    A --> D[Damp-Proof Course]

    B --> E[Refer IS 2212:1991 Clause 5.4]
   

IS 1597 Part 1 - Tools & Equipment for Stone Masonry: Key Points

• Reference Standards:

  • Tools like plumb bob, spirit level, mason’s square, trowel → IS 1630:1984
  • Mason’s hammers and chisels → IS 1129:1972
  • Stone dressing tools → IS 1805:1973
  • Setting out details → same as Clause 8, IS 2212:1991

• Lifting Appliances for Stones (Fig. 10):

  • Rectangular Steel Piece
  • Three-legged Lewis
  • Wedge-shaped Central Piece
  • Wedge-shaped Steel Piece
  • Modified Three-legged Lewis

• Bonding at Angular Junctions (Clause 8.7.8):

  • Stones at alternate courses must be well bonded into adjacent walls for structural integrity.

Typical Lifting Appliance Setup (Mermaid Diagram)

graph TD
    A[Stone Block]
    B[Three-legged Lewis]
    C[Wedge-shaped Steel Piece]
    D[Rectangular Steel Piece]
    E[Modified Three-legged Lewis]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    C --> D
    B --> E

Summary Table: Tools & Their IS Codes

Use these references for detailed specifications, dimensions, and testing methods.

IS 1597 Part 1: General Requirements for Stone Selection and Dressing

1. Stone Selection (Clause 6 & Table 2 summary)

• Stones must be chosen based on usage and environment.
• Common stones and their typical uses (refer Table 2 in IS 1597-1):
  • Granite: Heavy load-bearing, exposed masonry
  • Basalt: Structural work, durable surfaces
  • Limestone: Moderate load, internal/external walls
  • Sandstone: Decorative, moderate structural
  • Marble: Decorative, flooring
  • Laterite: Low strength, non-load bearing

2. Crushing Strength of Stones (Clause 5.1.2.1 & Table 1)

*Except very soft limestone.

3. Dressing of Stones (Clause 8.2)

• Follow IS 1129:1972 for general dressing requirements.
• Dressing varies by masonry type (e.g., rubble, ashlar).
• Stones must be strong, hard, durable, and dressed to suit mortar and masonry type.
• Tools and definitions per IS 1805:1973.

4. Additional Specifications

• Flashing and weathering materials per IS 2212:1991.
• Strength considerations per IS 1905:1987 for ashlar and coursed rubble.

Summary Diagram: Stone Selection & Dressing Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Select Stone Type] --> B{Consider Usage}
    B -->|Heavy Load| C[Granite/Basalt]
    B -->|Moderate Load| D[Limestone/Sandstone]
    B -->|Decorative| E[Marble]
    B -->|Non-load| F[Laterite]
    C & D & E & F --> G[Dressing as

IS 1597 Part 1: General Requirements for Masonry Construction (Clause 8)

Key Points on Structural Stability (Clause 7.7.1)

• Design must ensure stability and strength referencing:
  • IS 1905:1987 (Code of Practice for Structural Use of Unreinforced Masonry)
  • IS 1893:1984 (Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design)
  • IS 4326:1976 (Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction)

General Requirements (Clause 8.7)

• All masonry must comply with Clauses 8.7.1 to 8.7.12.
• Prohibited practices include:
  • Masonry with too thin faces.
  • Use of occasional through stones only without proper bonding.
  • Filling with dry packing or small aggregate instead of proper mortar.

Design & Construction Highlights for Rubble Masonry (Clause 1.1)

• Applies to rubble stone masonry.
• Emphasizes adequate bonding, mortar use, and thickness for durability and strength.

Typical Masonry Thickness & Bonding Guidelines (from IS 1905)

Summary Diagram: Masonry Stability Factors

graph LR
A[Structural Stability] --> B[Proper Thickness]
A --> C[Good Bonding]
A --> D[Use of Through Stones]
A --> E[Proper Mortar]
B --> F[Minimum 230 mm wall thickness]
C --> G[Continuous bonding pattern]
D --> H[Through stones every 1.2 - 1.5 m]
E --> I[No dry packing or small aggregates]

Ensure compliance with IS 1905 for detailed structural design and IS 1597 Part 1 for construction practice.

IS 1597 (Part 1) Key Points on Rubble Stone Masonry

Types of Rubble Masonry (Clause 7.1.1 to 7.1.4)

Stone Size Specifications (Clause 5.1.2.3)

• Length ≤ 3 × Height
• Breadth on base ≤ 0.75 × Wall thickness, but ≥ 150 mm
• Height ≤ 300 mm

Recommended Stone Types (Table 2, Clause 6)

Construction Notes

• Smaller stones used for hearting.
• Stones should be manageable by hand.
• For granite stone details, refer IS 3316:1974.
• Preferred stone sizes per IS 1127:1970.

flowchart LR
    A

IS 1597 Part 1: Structural Stability & Strength - Key Points

1. Reference Standards for Structural Stability (Clause 7.7.1)

• Design for stability should refer to:
  • IS 1905 : 1987 (Masonry Structures)
  • IS 1893 : 1984 (Earthquake Resistant Design)
  • IS 4326 : 1976 (Earthquake Resistant Structures)

2. Bearing of Floors, Roofs & Joints (Clause 8.9)

• Avoid embedding timber directly in stonework (risk of dry rot).
• Timber ends should rest on corbels or brackets or be treated with preservatives.
• Steel beams/trusses embedded in masonry must have:
  • Space for repainting or bituminous coating.
  • Encased in M-15 concrete (plain or RCC) templates.
• Timber floors: nail joists to wall plates on 125 mm walling.

3. Crushing Strength of Stones (Table 5.1.2.1)

• Strength must be compatible with mortar and masonry type (ashlar, rubble, etc.).

4. Template or Bed Block (Clause 3.34)

• Stone/concrete block used to distribute concentrated loads on walls.

Summary Diagram: Load Transfer at Beam Ends Embedded in Masonry

flowchart LR
    BeamEnd -->|Load Transfer| TemplateBedBlock[Template or Bed Block (M-15 Concrete/Stone)]
    TemplateBedBlock -->|Distributes Load| MasonryWall
    SteelBeam -->|Coated & Spaced| MasonryWall

Use these specifications to ensure structural stability and strength in stone masonry per IS 1597 Part 1.

IS 1597 Part 1: Weather and Damp-Proofing Measures

1. Weather Protection (Clause 7.2 & Table 3)

• External rendering significantly improves weather resistance of solid walls ≥400 mm thick.
• Suitability of rubble walls under different exposures:

• R = Recommended, N = Not recommended
• Exposure definitions as per IS 2212:1991 Table 3.

2. Rain Protection (Clause 7.3)

• Rain penetration depends on:
  • Water absorption rate of stone/mortar.
  • Presence of cracks (major seepage paths).
• Long wet spells can saturate masonry pores, causing penetration.
• Moisture may carry sulphuric fumes causing internal decay/disfiguration.

3. Damp-Proof Course (Clause 7.6)

• Refer IS 2212:1991 Clause 6.8 for:
  • Functions, materials, and locations for damp-proof course (DPC).
• Typical DPC materials: bituminous felt, polyethylene sheets, slate, or cement mortar with water-proofing compounds.

Summary Diagram of Weather & Damp-Proofing Layers

graph LR
A[External Rendering] --> B[Solid Masonry Wall]
B --> C[Damp-Proof Course (DPC)]
C --> D[Foundation]

Key Notes:

• Use external rendering in moderate to sheltered exposures.
• Avoid solid unrendered walls in moderate/severe exposure.
• Ensure crack-free masonry and proper DPC installation to prevent moisture ingress.

Fixing of Frames and Embedments (IS 1597 Part 1:1992)

Key Specifications:

• Holdfasts for Timber Frames (Clause 8.8):

  • Use holdfasts of adequate size & strength embedded securely in stonework.
  • Embed holdfasts in chases filled with cement concrete (see Fig. 11).
  • Iron holdfasts must be coated with bitumen to prevent rust.
  • Wood faces contacting stone must be treated with preservatives against insects/termites.
  • Frames should be fixed simultaneously with masonry to avoid gaps.

• Timber Bearing (Clause 8.9):

  • Avoid embedding structural timber directly into stonework (risk of dry rot).
  • Timber ends should rest on corbels or brackets or treated and spaced for air circulation if built-in.
  • Heavy load beams/trusses supported on templates of concrete (M-15) or stone.
  • Steel embedded ends coated with bitumen and encased in rich concrete (M-15).

Definitions:

Typical Fixing Detail (Fig. 11):

graph LR
A[Stone Masonry Wall] --> B[Chase for Holdfast]
B --> C[Holdfast (Iron, Bitumen Coated)]
C --> D[Timber Frame]
B --> E[Cement Concrete Fill]

Summary:

• Use bitumen-coated iron holdfasts embedded in concrete chases.
• Treat timber in contact with masonry.
• Support timber ends on corbels/templates with air space.
• Embed steel ends in M-15 concrete, coated for corrosion protection.

This ensures durable, rust-free, and rot-resistant fixing of frames and embedments in stone masonry.

IS 1597 Part 1: Jointing and Pointing Key Points

• Joint Filling:
  All joints must be fully filled with mortar.

  • Maximum joint thickness:
    • Random rubble: 20 mm
    • Square rubble: 10 mm

• Pointing:

  • Avoid if possible; if unavoidable, use the same mortar as bedding during construction.
  • If done later (raking out), use specially prepared mortar.
  • Refer to IS 2212:1991 Fig. 10 for types of pointing (e.g., flush, recessed, weathered, etc.).

• Joint Preparation:

  • Joints should be approximately rectangular and square on all beds and joints.
  • Bed joints chisel drafted at least 80 mm back from face; side joints at least 40 mm.
  • No gap > 6 mm under a straight edge on dressed surfaces.
  • No stone projection beyond joint surfaces.

• Special Joints:

  • Joggle Joint: Groove in one stone fits a projection on the other (see Fig. 1A).
  • Improves interlocking and stability.

Summary Table: Joint Thickness Limits

Diagram: Joggle Joint Concept

flowchart LR
    A[Stone with Groove] -- Fits into --> B[Stone with Projection]
    B -- Interlocks with --> A
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

References:

• IS 1597 (Part 1): 1992 Clause 8.10, 9.1.1, 3.20, 3.23
• IS 2212:1991 Fig. 10 (Pointing types)

IS 1597 Part 1: Safety and Workmanship - Key Points

1. Structural Stability & Strength (Clause 7.7.1)

• Refer to:
  • IS 1905:1987 – Structural design of masonry.
  • IS 1893:1984 – Earthquake resistant design.
  • IS 4326:1976 – Earthquake resistant construction.

2. Masonry Workmanship (Clause 9.6)

• Polygonal rubble masonry uses irregular polygon-shaped stones, not laid in courses.
• Requirements same as course rubble masonry (first sort) except for stone shape and laying pattern.

3. Material Specifications & References (Annex A)

• Cement: IS 269 (OPC), IS 455 (Portland slag cement), IS 1489 (Pozzolana cement).
• Mortars: IS 2116 (sand), IS 2250 (masonry mortars).
• Stones: IS 1123 (petrographical examination), IS 1124 (water absorption), IS 1127 (dimensions & workmanship).
• Tools: IS 1630 (mason's tools).
• Scaffolding & Safety: IS 2750.

4. Safety & Quality Control Tips

• Use recommended materials per IS codes.
• Ensure proper dressing and sizing of stones (IS 1127, IS 1129).
• Follow mortar mix and curing guidelines (IS 2250).
• Maintain structural stability by adhering to earthquake resistance codes.

Typical Masonry Strength Check Formula (from IS 1905):

[ \sigma_c = \frac{P}{A} \leq f_m ]

Where:

• (\sigma_c) = compressive stress on masonry,
• (P) = axial load,
• (A) = cross-sectional area,
• (f_m) = permissible masonry compressive strength.

flowchart TD
    A[Material Selection] --> B[Stone Dressing & Sizing]
    B --> C[Masonry Laying Pattern]
    C --> D[Mortar Preparation]
    D --> E[Structural Stability Check]
    E --> F[Safety & Workmanship Compliance]

Summary:
For safety and workmanship, IS 1597 Part 1 mandates using quality materials per referenced IS codes, proper stone dressing, correct

Maintenance and Protection of Masonry (IS 1597 Part 1)

1. Rain Protection (Clause 7.3)

• Water penetration depends on:
  • Absorption rate of stone/mortar.
  • Presence of cracks (main seepage paths).
• Moisture penetration through masonry body occurs mainly in prolonged wet weather.
• Moisture can carry sulphuric fumes causing internal decay/disfiguration.

2. Suitability of Rubble Walls (Table 3, Clause 7.2)

• R = Recommended, N = Not recommended.

3. Structural Stability and Strength (Clause 7.7.1)

• Refer to:
  • IS 1905:1987 (Structural design of masonry).
  • IS 1893:1984 (Earthquake resistant design).
  • IS 4326:1976 (Earthquake resistant structures).

4. General Requirements (Clause 8.7)

• Follow details in Clauses 8.7.1 to 8.7.12 for masonry workmanship and protection.

5. Materials for Flashing and Weathering

• Use materials as per IS 2212:1991, Clause 5.4 to prevent water ingress.

Summary Diagram: Rain Protection Concept

flowchart TD
    A[Rainfall] --> B[External Face of Masonry]
    B -->|Absorbed Water| C[Masonry Pores]
    B -->|Cracks Present| D[Seepage Paths]
    C -->|Prolonged Wet Weather| E[Internal Moisture]
    E --> F[Decay/Disfiguration]

Key Takeaway:
Ensure external rendering for moderate exposure, use proper flashing materials, and maintain crack-free masonry to prevent moisture ingress and structural damage.